Volcanic Pore BHA Cleansing Foam
Volcanic Pore BHA Cleansing Foam
Product Description
innisfree Volcanic Pore BHA Cleansing Foam
A pore-clearing daily cleansing foam with Jeju Volcanic Clusters and salicylic acid (BHA) that gently exfoliates while absorbing excess oil for a clean, balanced complexion.
๐ Quick Info
โญ Key Features
Jeju Volcanic Clusters
Sourced from Jeju Island, South Korea, these mineral-rich volcanic particles act like tiny sponges to absorb excess sebum and draw out impurities from deep within pores.
BHA Salicylic Acid
Oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates pores to dissolve sebum plugs, exfoliate dead skin cells, and help prevent future breakouts while soothing inflammation.
AHA Complex
Lactic acid and glycolic acid copolymer work synergistically to gently resurface skin, smooth texture, and visibly minimize pore appearance over time.
Soothing Madecassoside
Derived from Centella Asiatica, this powerful antioxidant calms sensitive and acne-prone skin, reduces redness, and supports the skin's natural healing process.
Jeju Hot Spring Water
Natural thermal water from Jeju's volcanic hot springs helps soothe irritation, provide minerals, and maintain skin's moisture balance during cleansing.
Zinc PCA
Regulates sebum production, helps reduce inflammation, and provides antibacterial benefits to help keep acne-causing bacteria at bay.
๐ก๏ธ Safety Information
Contains salicylic acid (BHA). While low-concentration topical BHA in wash-off products is generally considered acceptable, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises caution. Consult your healthcare provider before use. When breastfeeding, avoid application near breast area.
Contains myristic acid (C3), lauric acid (C4), stearic acid, palmitic acid, and glyceryl stearate which can feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for those prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.
Contains some potentially pore-clogging ingredients like myristic acid (3), lauric acid (4), and stearic acid (2-3). May cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals sensitive to fatty acids. Patch test recommended.
This product contains parfum/fragrance which may irritate sensitive skin or those with fragrance allergies. The scent is described as fresh and subtle but is synthetic.
While dermatologically tested and marketed for sensitive skin, the combination of BHA, AHA, and fragrance may be too stimulating for very reactive skin. Contains exfoliating acids that may worsen eczema or rosacea.
Free from sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, silicones, mineral oil, formaldehyde, phthalates, hydroquinone, oxybenzone, coal tar, triclosan, and talc. Vegan and cruelty-free certified.
โ FREE FROM
๐ฌ Key Ingredients Analysis
๐งช Salicylic Acid (BHA) 0.5% Proven
A gold-standard beta hydroxy acid that penetrates oil-filled pores to dissolve sebum plugs, exfoliate dead skin cells from within, and reduce inflammation. FDA-approved acne treatment at 0.5-2% concentration.
- Mechanism: Oil-soluble, allowing penetration into pores where it dissolves keratin plugs and excess sebum
- Clinical Evidence: Proven effective for acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and improving overall skin texture
- Anti-inflammatory: Chemically similar to aspirin, helps calm redness and irritation
๐ Jeju Volcanic Ash 1,073ppm Proven
Mineral-rich volcanic clusters sourced from Jeju Island's volcanic soil. Known for exceptional oil-absorbing properties due to their porous microstructure, acting as natural micro-sponges.
- Source: Jeju Island, South Korea โ formed from 2 million year old volcanic activity
- Function: Absorbs 2x its weight in sebum while drawing out impurities from pores
- Clinical: innisfree clinical studies show 96% agreed it cleansed pores effectively
โก Zinc PCA Promising
A zinc salt combined with pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), a natural moisturizing factor found in skin. Helps regulate sebum, provides antibacterial benefits, and supports wound healing.
- Sebum Control: Studies show it can reduce sebum production by up to 30%
- Anti-bacterial: Helps inhibit P. acnes bacteria growth
- Healing: Supports skin repair and reduces post-acne marks
๐ฟ Madecassoside Proven
One of four key active compounds from Centella Asiatica (Cica). A powerful antioxidant with proven anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, popular in K-beauty for calming troubled skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and irritation caused by acne
- Antioxidant: Protects against free radical damage and environmental stress
- Barrier Support: Helps strengthen skin barrier and promote collagen synthesis
๐งฑ Kaolin Clay Proven
A gentle, natural white clay known for its oil-absorbing and pore-cleansing abilities without over-drying. Forms a creamy lather that draws out impurities.
- Oil Absorption: Effectively absorbs excess sebum without stripping natural oils
- Gentle: Milder than bentonite, suitable for daily use
- Non-comedogenic: Rating of 0 โ won't clog pores
โจ Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer Proven
A combination of two AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) that work synergistically to provide gentle surface exfoliation, improve skin texture, and enhance radiance.
- Exfoliation: Dissolves bonds between dead skin cells for smoother texture
- Brightening: Promotes cell turnover for more radiant appearance
- Pore Refining: Regular use can visibly minimize pore appearance
๐ Where It Fits In Your Routine
๐ How to Use
Wet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water (not hot) on your face. If double cleansing, use this as your second cleanser after oil-based makeup remover.
Create Rich Lather
Squeeze a pea-sized amount (about 1cm) onto wet palms. Rub hands together to create a dense, creamy foam. A little goes a long way!
Massage Gently
Apply foam to face using gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Focus on oily areas (T-zone, nose, chin) but avoid harsh scrubbing.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water, ensuring no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean towel โ don't rub!
Follow With Care
Immediately follow with toner and hydrating products to lock in moisture. Always use sunscreen during the day as acids increase sun sensitivity.
๐ค Skin Type Compatibility
Perfect match! Volcanic clusters and BHA work synergistically to control excess oil, unclog pores, and leave skin balanced without over-drying.
Ideal for targeting T-zone oiliness while glycerin helps prevent dry areas from feeling stripped. Great for balancing uneven skin.
BHA penetrates pores to prevent breakouts, zinc provides antibacterial benefits, and madecassoside calms existing inflammation.
Works well for maintaining clear pores and smooth texture. May use once daily or as needed rather than twice daily.
May feel too stripping for very dry skin. If using, limit to once daily or every other day and follow immediately with rich hydration.
Contains fragrance and exfoliating acids. While dermatologically tested, patch test first. May cause irritation in reactive skin types.
Not recommended. BHA, AHA, fragrance, and physical exfoliants can trigger flare-ups and worsen barrier-compromised skin conditions.
AHA/BHA combo provides gentle anti-aging exfoliation benefits. Follow with hydrating and anti-aging products for best results.
๐ Expected Results Timeline
Immediate Clean Feel
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and less oily after each use. Pores appear temporarily tighter. Some may experience slight tightness as skin adjusts.
96% noticed cleaner-feeling skinOil Control & Texture Improvement
Excess oil throughout the day becomes more manageable. Early improvement in skin texture as dead cells are sloughed away. Some may experience purging.
78% reported reduced oilinessVisible Pore Refinement
Blackheads and whiteheads begin to diminish. Pores appear smaller and less congested. Skin develops a smoother, more refined appearance.
72% saw pore improvementClearer, Balanced Complexion
Significant reduction in breakouts for acne-prone skin. Overall complexion appears brighter, clearer, and more balanced. Best used consistently for maintenance.
85% experienced fewer breakoutsโญ Customer Reviews Summary
๐ฌ What Customers Love
- Effective pore cleansing โ Noticeably reduces blackheads and keeps pores clear
- Rich, creamy lather โ A little product creates abundant foam
- Non-stripping โ Cleans thoroughly without leaving skin tight or dry
- Controls oil โ Reduces shine throughout the day
- Affordable K-beauty โ Good value for quality Korean skincare
โก Common Concerns
- Can be drying โ May strip natural oils if used too frequently, especially in winter
- Contains fragrance โ Not suitable for fragrance-free seekers
- Not for fungal acne โ Formula contains fungal acne triggers
- Purging possible โ Some experience initial breakouts as skin adjusts to acids
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Contains 0.5% BHA with tea tree oil and willow bark. Slightly gentler formula without volcanic clusters. Better for sensitive skin but less pore-purifying power.
Uses gentle betaine salicylate instead of salicylic acid. Lower pH, tea tree based. More hydrating but less oil-control. Great for beginners.
Western formula with salicylic acid plus ceramides and hyaluronic acid. More hydrating, no volcanic clusters. Fragrance-free option available.
2% salicylic acid with zinc โ stronger BHA concentration. No volcanic ash or AHAs. Good for more stubborn acne but may be more drying.
Same brand, similar price. Uses bija (torreya) seed oil instead of volcanic clusters. Contains salicylic acid and castor oil. More soothing for troubled skin.
0.5% BHA with blue clay instead of volcanic ash. Low pH formula. Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe. Less exfoliating but gentler daily option.
โ๏ธ Comparison Chart
innisfree Volcanic BHA
$14.00COSRX Salicylic Acid
$12.00COSRX Low pH Gel
$10.00CeraVe SA Cleanser
$15.00โ Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. This cleanser contains salicylic acid (BHA), which requires careful consideration during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that low-concentration topical salicylic acid (under 2%) in wash-off products is generally considered acceptable. However, some dermatologists recommend avoiding all salicylic acid during pregnancy as a precaution. If breastfeeding, avoid applying near the breast area. Always consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or nursing.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. The formula contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast: myristic acid (comedogenic rating 3), lauric acid (rating 4), stearic acid, palmitic acid, glyceryl stearate, and glycol distearate. If you suffer from fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), look for alternatives like JUMISO Pore-Purifying Cleanser or formulas specifically labeled as FA-safe.
Yes, but with careful routine planning. Since this cleanser contains both BHA and AHA (via lactic/glycolic acid copolymer), you should be mindful of over-exfoliation. With retinol: Use this cleanser in the morning and retinol at night, or alternate days. With vitamin C: Can use in same routine โ cleanse first, then vitamin C serum. With other exfoliating products: Avoid using additional BHA/AHA leave-on treatments on the same day initially. If your skin tolerates well, you can gradually introduce but watch for irritation signs like redness, peeling, or sensitivity.
Best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The volcanic clusters excel at absorbing excess sebum while BHA keeps pores clear. It's also suitable for normal skin seeking pore maintenance. Not ideal for: very dry skin (may feel stripping), sensitive/reactive skin (contains fragrance and exfoliating acids), eczema or rosacea (can trigger flare-ups), or skin with a compromised barrier. Those with dry skin can try using once daily or every other day rather than twice daily.
Results timeline varies by concern: Cleaner, less oily feeling: Immediate (after first use). Oil control throughout day: 1-2 weeks. Reduced blackheads/whiteheads: 2-4 weeks. Visibly smaller pores: 3-4 weeks. Fewer breakouts: 4-8 weeks. Note: Some users experience initial "purging" (temporary increase in breakouts) during weeks 1-3 as the BHA brings existing clogs to the surface faster. This should subside. If irritation occurs instead, reduce frequency of use.
This is a second/water-based cleanser in the Korean double cleansing method. Use it after an oil-based cleanser (if wearing makeup/sunscreen) or as your primary cleanser for bare skin. Order: 1) Oil cleanser (PM only) โ 2) THIS CLEANSER โ 3) Toner โ 4) Essence โ 5) Serum โ 6) Moisturizer โ 7) Sunscreen (AM). Use morning and night. For AM, you can use this as your only cleanser if skin feels balanced overnight.
The formula has a moderate comedogenic rating of 2-3/5. It contains potentially pore-clogging ingredients: myristic acid (rating 3), lauric acid (rating 4), stearic acid (rating 2-3), and palmitic acid (rating 2). However, since this is a wash-off product with short skin contact time, these ingredients are less likely to cause issues compared to leave-on products. The BHA and volcanic ash actually help keep pores clear. Recommendation: Patch test for 1-2 weeks if you're prone to comedonal acne.
12 months after opening (12M PAO). The 150ml tube typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use since only a pea-sized amount is needed per use. Storage tips: Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure the cap is tightly closed after use. The formula is stable at room temperature but avoid storing in humid bathroom environments for extended periods. Signs of expiration: changes in color, texture, smell, or separation.
Yes, purging is possible. Because this cleanser contains exfoliating acids (BHA and AHA copolymer), it can accelerate skin cell turnover and bring existing clogs to the surface faster during the first 2-4 weeks. Purging vs. breakout: Purging occurs in areas where you normally get breakouts and clears faster than typical pimples. If you're getting new breakouts in unusual areas or they persist beyond 6 weeks, the product may not be suitable for your skin.
Yes, this product is both vegan and cruelty-free. innisfree has committed to being 100% vegan and does not test on animals. The brand is certified cruelty-free. The formula contains no animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, innisfree uses eco-friendly packaging and participates in recycling programs through TerraCycle where you can send back empty containers for proper recycling.
๐ฆ Product Details
๐ Full Ingredients List
Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Kaolin, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Glycol Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-22, Parfum, Salicylic Acid, Silica, Onsen-Sui, Zinc PCA, Volcanic Ash (1,073ppm), Disodium EDTA, Propanediol, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Madecassoside, Polyquaternium-10, Ethylhexylglycerin
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
|
|

